Despite the high-profile miss, Chelle insisted that the AC Milan attacker remains the squad’s most proficient penalty specialist. The manager suggested that the overwhelming pressure from the partisan Moroccan crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium likely affected the players’ composure more than any lack of technical skill. He maintained that the outcome would have differed significantly if the match had taken place on Nigerian soil, where home support would have bolstered his players’ confidence.

The coaching staff now shifts its focus to the third-place play-off against Egypt, scheduled for Saturday. Chelle intends to rebuild the morale of his squad as they aim to conclude their continental campaign with a bronze medal. By publicly backing his players, the Malian tactician hopes to mitigate the psychological impact of the semifinal exit and ensure the team remains united for their final fixture in Rabat.

Chelle told reporters: “Samuel Chukwueze is the best penalty taker of the team, he never misses in training, maybe out of 400 but the feeling to take for every player was different, maybe the crowd. I think if we play the penalties in Uyo, Abuja or Lagos, we win for sure.”

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Speaking during a press conference at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Osimhen emphasized that the quality of the officiating severely impacted the flow of the high-stakes encounter.

While the forward criticized the technical aspects of the match, he remained gracious toward his opponents and teammates. He commended the Moroccan side for their victory and praised the resilience the Super Eagles displayed against one of the continent’s most formidable teams. Osimhen’s teammate, Bright Osayi-Samuel, echoed these sentiments, also directing sharp criticism toward Laryea for several contentious decisions throughout the 120 minutes of play.

Conversely, the referee found an ally in Patrick Yaw Boamah, a member of the Parliament of Ghana, who publicly lauded Laryea for his “outstanding officiating.” Boamah argued that Laryea represented his country with distinction on Africa’s biggest stage despite the backlash from Nigerian fans. Looking ahead, Osimhen intends to channel his frustration into the third-place play-off on Saturday, where he aims to lead the Super Eagles to a victory over Egypt to secure the bronze medal.

Osimhen stated: “The game was nothing to write home about in terms of the officiating; it was that bad. I have to say a very big congratulations to the Moroccans, and also I am proud of my team for the kind of fight we put up against a very good quality side.”

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